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Norwegian Lundehund vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Norwegian Lundehund vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

You’re not going to find many people comparing a Norwegian Lundehund to a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon at a dog park. because you’ll probably never see either there. These breeds don’t show up on mainstream radar, but if you’re deep in the weeds of rare dogs or hunting lines, you might be torn. Both are rugged, built for harsh climates, and loyal to their people. But that’s where the similarities end. The Lundehund is a six-toed mountain goat of a dog, literally designed to cling to sheer cliffs while hunting puffins. It’s small, clever in its own stubborn way, and comes with a serious caveat: Lundehund Syndrome. That means you’re signing up for vet bills, special diets, and constant monitoring. It’s not a dog you train easily. it’s a dog you negotiate with. You’ll love it fiercely, but it won’t obey just because you asked. The Griffon? He’s the opposite kind of project. Big, boisterous, and built for action, he lives to hunt, swim, and work beside you. He’s trainable, affectionate with kids, and thrives on tasks. If you’re out in the woods or marshes weekly, he’s your perfect partner. But he needs space, activity, and engagement. skip a day of exercise and your couch pays the price. Choose the Lundehund only if you’re experienced, fascinated by rare breeds, and ready for medical complexity. Pick the Griffon if you want a devoted, high-drive hunting companion who also loves family life. Here’s the real talk: the Lundehund isn’t just rare. it’s a conservation effort on a leash. You’re not just owning a dog. You’re preserving a genetic thread.

Norwegian Lundehund
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
12–15 in
Height
20–24 in
20–30 lb
Weight
35–70 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#191
AKC popularity
#65

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Norwegian Lundehund Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Wirehaired
Good with Young Children
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is better with kids (2-point difference)
Wirehaired
Drooling Level
Norwegian Lundehund drools less (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Good with Strangers
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Wirehaired
Trainability
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is easier to train (2-point difference)
Wirehaired
The verdict

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Those interested in rare breeds
  • Active families

Choose the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon if…

  • Hunters and bird dog enthusiasts
  • Active families with outdoor lifestyles
  • Those wanting a versatile gun dog
  • You value affectionate w/ familyWirehaired Pointing Griffon scores higher here.
Norwegian Lundehund Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Norwegian Lundehund home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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